Project Overview
Annexe, The Nest
The customer wanted to replace an old garden shed with a fully liveable garden annexe that could support both working from home and everyday living, while feeling like a natural extension of the main property.
The Nest was selected for its apex roof design, which reflects the proportions of a traditional house and helps the building sit comfortably alongside the home. This not only strengthens the visual connection, but also creates a brighter, more open interior.
The result is a well-considered 10m x 4m annexe building, combining open plan living with a private bedroom and dedicated home office, designed for comfortable, year-round use.
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The Brief
The customer wanted to replace a worn, underused garden shed with a fully functional garden annexe that could be used as a self-contained living space.
It was important that the annexe felt connected to the main home in both design and layout, avoiding the feel of a separate structure at the end of the garden. Instead, the goal was to create a space that looked and performed like a true extension of the property.
Practical considerations also played a key role in the design. The customer needed a layout that balanced open plan living with private areas, allowing for both shared use and quiet, focused work. Year-round performance was essential, with full insulation, heating and electrics required to ensure the space remained comfortable in all seasons.

Choosing The Nest
The customer chose The Nest for how naturally compliments the main home, both in shape and overall presence.
The apex roof mirrors the roofline of the existing property, which helps the annexe feel like a considered extension rather than something that’s simply been added to the garden. It gives the building a more permanent, architectural feel from the outside.
Inside, that same roofline creates extra height through the centre of the space, making the annexe feel lighter, more open and far more comfortable for everyday living.
View our full range of garden annexe designs

The Design And Everyday Use
The 10m x 4m layout has been carefully planned to support both shared living and private use.
The main entrance opens into a bright, open plan living and kitchen area, creating a practical hub for everyday life.
From here, the space transitions into more private areas, including a separate bedroom and a dedicated home office, allowing for a clear divide between relaxation and work.
Each part of the annexe has been designed to feel purposeful, with a layout that flows naturally while still offering privacy where needed. The result is a space that feels intuitive to use and comfortable to live in all year round.




Why They Chose Green Retreats?
The customer needed more than additional space, they were looking for a fully liveable garden annexe that would perform like part of their home.
From the outset, the focus was on getting the design, layout and overall specification right, ensuring everything worked together as a cohesive build.
We delivered a fully managed service, from initial design through to installation, giving the customer confidence that every detail would be carefully considered. The result is a high quality annexe building that not only complements the existing home, but also provides a reliable, long term living space.
See our garden annexes in person at our Buckinghamshire Showroom and explore layouts, finishes and space first-hand.

Ready to Create Your Own Annexe?
Turn your ideas into a fully liveable space with a bespoke garden annexe designed around your home. Get a quick quote today and take the first step towards a comfortable, self-contained space built for everyday living, all year round.